Temple

Located in Aluva, Sree Krishna Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple was build in 1938 as per the instructions of Maharani and the idol of Lord Balabhadra was installed then. The shrine for Lord Krishna was not built until 1984. The delay was due to transfer of power from the princely State of Travancore-Cochin to the Travancore Devaswom Board under the Government of Kerala. The nadapandal was also constructed in 1984 and Lord Ganapati was installed three years later.

Legend

According to the legends, once Maharani (mother of Sree Chithira Thirunal) was staying in Aluva Palace, she had an unbearable stomach ache. Legends say that Lord Krishna appeared in her dreams and told her about the idol lying buried at Karukutti, 15 km away from Aluva. As instructed by her, the officials of Travancore Devaswom Department went to Karukutti and traced a temple destroyed by Tipu Sultan. They found two idols - that of Lord Krishna and Lord Balabhadra there. Then, Maharani ordered to build a temple in Aluva for Lord Krishna.

Architecture

The temple is spread over one acre. It has got twin Sree Kovils, Nadapandal, Thidappally, Balalayam and Balikal. While the shrine of Balabhadra faces east, that of Krishna faces west. Otherwise, both the shrines are similar in construction.

Darsan Info

Lord Balabhadra is made of stone idol in standing pose with a plough in right hand and pestle in the left. Lord Krishna's idol is also in standing pose with a conch in the left hand and a whip in the right. Lord Ganapati is in sitting pose, Brahmarakshas in plain linga form and Nagar in sitting pose with raised hoods.

Darsan Dresscode

Traditonal Kerala dress, which includes dhoti for men and saree for women.  No electronic gadgets are allowed.

Culture

Periyar plays a significant role in the cultural landscape of the State. Many social and religious movements happened on its banks, Aluva in particular. It is also considered the seat of Indian spirituality with the distinction of being the birth place of Adi Sankaracharya.

Temple Rituals

Three Poojas are the main rituals here.

Special Rituals

Thrikai Venna is special for Lord Krishna and aval nivedyam for Lord Balabhadra.

Additional Info